Brooks Encourages Public to Comment on Proposed State Education Plan

Posted on Aug 10, 2017

HARRISBURG – (August 10, 2017) Sen. Michele Brooks invites every Pennsylvanian with an interest in education to review and comment on the State Plan to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.

ESSA, the successor to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, aims to give more decision-making authority to states and local leaders, in an effort to improve student achievement.

The 144-page plan can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website (www.education.pa.gov). The public comment period lasts until Aug. 31. Citizens can review and provide feedback on the plan through an online survey or may email comments to RA-edESSA@pa.gov.

“I wanted to let everyone know that they can comment on this plan and express their opinions, because so often policies are crafted behind closed doors, away from the classrooms, hallways and homes where true learning occurs. Accessibility and openness are essential to this process.”

“It is so important that residents have a part in crafting this plan, because it will have a far-reaching impact on standardized testing, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism and more,” Sen. Brooks said. “So often, regulations are put into place by unelected bureaucrats who have a disconnect with the individuals and families in the front lines,” Sen. Brooks said. “Whether you are a parent, educator, student, school board member, business leader, or other interested party, please take this opportunity to make your opinions known.”

The plan has been developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education over the past year, in consultation with various stakeholder groups. It must be submitted to the federal government by September 18.

“The more voices with common-sense suggestions from people within our communities, the better,” Sen. Brooks said. “All students deserve access to well-rounded, rigorous, and personalized learning experiences that prepare them for success in the future. I’d like to thank everyone in advance for contributing to the development of a strong, forward-thinking plan.”